Nicholbry

I have successfully completed a motor mount and oil pan gasket exchange for my '90 S4 . This was the most mechanical work I had ever done before. As I am under there I start to ponder the importance of torque values. The step-by-step instructional that I followed to complete this job didn't address the torque values much so I dismissed their importance initially. Back to Rennlist I go after giving it more thought and ran across a few threads about the damage that can result by over/under torquing some critical bolts like lower control arm, steering rack bushings, sway bar, etc.

Although I have been in touch w/ Jim Morehouse regarding the purchase of the WSM, I haven't obtained them yet and I am in need of a few torque values if someone would oblige. I have most of them already so I only need the following:
1. Sway bar bracket to body bolts
2. Sway bar to drop link nut
3. Steering rack w/ bushings to cross member (4 larger bolts)
4. Oil pan plug
5. Cross brace over engine. I realize this must be torqued w/ the car on the ground.
6. Fluid lines at steering rack

Thanks in advance for taking the time to help.

Nicholbry

Anyone?

dr bob

From the little tech-specs book:

1. Sway bar bracket to body bolts: 34 lbs/ft

2. Sway bar to drop link nut: 63 lbs/ft

3. Steering rack w/ bushings to cross member (4 larger bolts): 34 lbs/ft

4. Oil pan plug: 37 lbs/ft
5. Cross brace over engine. I realize this must be torqued w/ the car on the ground. (note-- This must be done --before-- the car is lowered to the ground, especially if you are using a jack and stands rather than a lift to raise the car. There's a serious risk of breaking the windshield if the car body is twisted during the jacking operation with the brace removed.) There is no specific call-out for these bolts, so use the 33 lbs/ft guideline for 10mm bolts.

6. Fluid lines at steering rack: 22 lbs/ft


Also:

Lower control arm - Front bolts: 63 lbs/ft
Lower control arm - Rear bolts: 89 lbs/ft

AO

FYI... these are supposed to be torqued after the car is on the ground per the WSM. Snug them up first, then do the final torque after teh car is on the ground.

SwayBar

I cannot give a direct reference at this point, but I believe the four cross-brace bolts are supposed to be 16 ft lbs.

Nicholbry

Thanks dr bob for those specific values and I never realized that about the windshield. I can see how that could be a factor. I released the cross brace once the engine was jacked w/ stands at four corners. The four holes are slightly out of alignment now w/ the cross brace so lowering the car before installing the brace seems to be my only option. Knowing this about the windshield will certainly weigh heavily on my mind as I lower the car. Therefore, I won't be making any sudden drops and I will be lowering the car as evenly as possible w/ the assistance of a few additional hands.

Regarding torque values for the strut brace I would imagine something between 16 - 33 would be sufficient for its purpose. I'll give 24 a shot and see how it feels on the hand.

Thanks guys for helping me out. I can go button this baby back up now .